So… I have been working on consciously giving God my attention and yielding my day to Him first thing in the morning, before I do or think about anything or anyone else, and I can honestly say that I am getting better at it! Yay! Some mornings it almost comes naturally, and other mornings I am more forgetful (maybe more sleepy?) and I come to a crashing halt in the middle of my morning and think, “AAGH- I FORGOT AGAIN!!” 

So… progress, right? 

Anyway, in addition to being challenged to making conversation with my Lord and giving Him preeminence in my life first thing every morning, I have received from Him a specific verse to focus on this year – just part of it, really – as a challenge to help me grow in a specific area of struggle. I am going to use it as my mantra this year. Mantra is not a Christian word, but Merriam-Webster says it’s a short sequence of words or syllables that embodies an aspect of spiritual power, and I know that God’s Word has the power to vanquish our enemy (even if the enemy is me!) so I think it works. The verse is Luke 8:50 which says, “But when Jesus heard this, He answered him, “Fear not: only believe, and she shall be made whole.” (KJV) The part of the verse that shouted to me was four words in the middle – FEAR NOT: ONLY BELIEVE.

I don’t usually present as a fearful person, but that is because I am an introvert – I tend to keep my emotions in check because I don’t want anyone to ask me about them. I have also received excellent discipleship and Christian training from my parents and other church and parachurch leaders over the years, and I know that fear is an unnecessary expenditure of energy for a Christian (a waste of time). It is a joy-killer, an energy-stealer, a stumbling block for the believer, and an insult to God. But I do struggle with fear every day, everyone does. I am getting older, and even though I work hard at being a good steward of my physical body and its resources, some things are out of my control. Lupus – Arthritis – Osteopenia – a trifecta of diagnoses that put three big question marks in my future. One of them even disqualifies me for long term care insurance, apparently! The temptation to worry can seem overwhelming and impossible to beat. But THAT is where God’s Word comes in. It is living, powerful, and sharp. It is useful for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction (see Hebrews 4:12 and 2 Timothy 3:16). God’s Word gives me the power I need to withstand any temptation, even fear. The more I say it out loud or meditate on it in my mind, the fewer brain cells I have available to use for fear or worry. And over time, the verse becomes engrafted (woven into the very fabric of my life) and the fear loses its grip. What will your challenge verse be for this new year?

See you on Sunday!

Careen